Are You a Good Tipper?

[Baymule]

When you go out to eat, do you leave a generous tip or not? My DH has a good strategy for good service--he tips up front. He can be a little demanding, but after getting their tip, most waiters and waitresses are so surprised, that they do all they can to make him happy. In the 17 years of marriage and the 2 years of dating, I have seen it fail only once. He usually tips $10 up front and if he gets good service, he tips another $10. We also treat our waitstaff like they are somebody, inquire about their lives, find out if they are students, have children, single parents, that sort of thing. Most are genuinely touched to have someone care. We live in a tiny town without a lot of places to eat out, so when we go somewhere for a nice meal, we enjoy the whole experience, including our waiter or waitress.

Both of us have been dead broke poor at various times in our lives, and I was a waitress also. In our married life together, we have had some real low points, so we know what it is like to scratch for a living. We are by no means even close to being well off, but when you treat others good, it will come back to you in some form or another.

So how about it? Are you a good tipper or do you begrudge the extra money you pay beyond the meal and drinks?

 

[redsoxs]

If the service is good, the tip is good.
Good service + good food = good tip
Good service + poor food = good tip
Poor service, no matter the food quality = not so good tip.

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

I start at 100% of the bill an go down based on service.

I have tipped $80 on a $80 meal cause the girl went above an beyond interacting with the kids.

I have also tipped one penny before cause someone at the table saw the bottom of there glass.


Average about 50% though.

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

I think the tipping system is quite flawed and unfair in this country, but I usually tip 20-25%. Sometimes I will tip more and it is extremely rare I tip less. You have to be exceptionally terrible for a bad tip from me because I understand people sometimes just have bad days. But people should still be able to get most of the job done if they are at work and I am paying for it! So like I said, it is rare I tip less than 20%.

 

[Matthew3590]

I am newly in the serving life and servers do quite well. I work at a cheaper restaurant but turns tables frequently and it's easy to see servers frequently averaging $15/hour.

 

[sourland]

Way back when we were young and REALLY poor, the Princess worked as a waitress. We remember. Good service and attitude gets rewarded. A poor attitude is noted - I have been known to suggest that a career change might be a good idea.

 

[eenie114]

I start at 100% of the bill an go down based on service.

I have tipped $80 on a $80 meal cause the girl went above an beyond interacting with the kids.

I have also tipped one penny before cause someone at the table saw the bottom of there glass.


Average about 50% though.

Is that completely fair? I'm a waitress, and sometimes we have a dozen people waving us over for refills at once. We can only carry so many refills at once. We aren't entitled to a tip, of course, but if that was the turning point in your decision...

ETA: I realized how awful I sounded, only pointing out the negative. The starting at 100% is fantastic, and there was probably more to the bottom of the glass story than I know.

 

[donrae]

The state I live in covers servers under the minimum wage law, so I know my servers don't "need" the tips to make a minimum wage. I tip based on service, and usually not that much, honestly. I see way too many other folks that make minimum wage that don't get tips, why do folks that bring you food automatically get tips but not the CNAs who wipe Grandma's bottom? Or the guy who pumps the gas? The fast food worker?

That said, we try to be low maintenance for the server. When we sit down, we ask for pitchers of water and iced tea so we don't need constant attention and refills. Seriously, bring me my food and that's about all I need from you.

 

[Spookwriter]

Like Baymule, I'm there for the whole experience.

My being friendly and respectful towards those
that serve me is certainly part of it. Why should I
expect good service from them if I, as a customer,
fail to respect them?

Plus - and a big plus - my daughter is generally with
me. I am her father and her role model. By my example,
she will learn how to treat people. Or mistreat people.
That decision is mine to make. What kind of a father do
I want to be in her eyes?

All that being said, yes, I'll do a good tip. But I get pretty
good service.

And if the meal is enjoyable I make it a point to tip the cook.
If it's clean...slide the busboy a tip. Or if I want him to bring
my car around...